This poor team cannot catch a break. The one bright spot was the impending return of Richards, who was going to straighten out the power play. Maybe get a pass through to a winger once in a while. It was gonna be great.

They even started the game really well. They were all over the Sharks, and even scored first — Loui Eriksson had the fancy wraparound goal. But as soon as the Sharks got the tying goal, they got another one.

In the second, the Stars picked it up again, but the Sharks got two quick ones again.

Poor Brad Richards. He has had an iron-man type career, until he was sent here. If he’s superstitious, he’s got to think he’s cursed now. I just feel terrible for him. He had to be thrilled that he was finally back in the lineup and could help the team catch that last playoff spot, and then he had to be crushed when he found out his hand was broken.

Un-frickin’-believable.

Dave Tippett, in his post-game interview, was distraught. Just like we Stars fans are. Tipp has done a herculean job even keeping this team this close, after everything that’s gone on. If they somehow make the playoffs, I’m going to wrestle the Jack Adams trophy out of the hands of whatever Eastern Conference newbie coach they’ll inevitably award it to, and give it to Dave Tippett myself. He deserves it.

This will be an emotional blow to the team. I think the return of Richards was the light at the end of the tunnel. It turned out to be an oncoming train.

There’s still time. There’s still a chance. But it’s a painfully slim chance. We might need to brace ourselves.

If they somehow make the playoffs, I’m going to wrestle the Jack Adams trophy out of the hands of whatever Eastern Conference newbie coach they’ll inevitably award it to, and give it to Dave Tippett myself. He deserves it

I’ll help.

I think the return of Richards was the light at the end of the tunnel. It turned out to be an oncoming train